The Ultimate Showdown: The Last of Us and Horizon’s Multiplayer Spin-Offs Unite to Conquer an Epic Challenge
The Last of Us and Horizon's upcoming multiplayer spin-offs face a shared obstacle: the delicate management of trophies Both games must carefully handle the inclusion of trophies to ensure a rewarding and balanced experience for players
PlayStation's expansion into the world of live-service multiplayer is becoming evident, especially after the recent PlayStation Showcase, where titles like Marathon, Fairgames, and Concord confirmed the arrival of this new phase. However, the release of these games may still be some time away. In the meantime, PlayStation may be considering The Last of Us as the starting point for this exciting new phase, as it was officially announced during Summer Game Fest 2022. Although there haven't been many official details about The Last of Us' multiplayer game, it is speculated that PlayStation will use it to establish the foundation for its upcoming live-service online games. Additionally, there are rumors suggesting that a multiplayer game based on Horizon could follow soon after. However, both games are expected to face a significant challenge.
The Last of Us and Horizon's Multiplayer Spinoff Need to Handle Trophies Carefully
Creating trophies for online games, particularly those that adopt a live-service model, can be quite challenging. However, it would be highly disappointing for devoted fans and avid trophy hunters if the upcoming multiplayer spinoffs of Horizon and The Last of Us were devoid of this significant aspect, considering the importance trophies have held in both franchises and the overall PlayStation ecosystem.
In the past decade, online-only trophies have faced challenges. Unlike single-player trophies that can be achieved at one's own pace, multiplayer trophies often require players to follow a specific schedule, such as completing a certain number of matches within a limited-time game mode. Additionally, online trophies run the risk of becoming unattainable if the game servers are eventually shut down.
Both Horizon's spinoff and The Last of Us face a major hurdle when it comes to trophies due to their live-service model. As these games are expected to receive continuous updates for years to come, developers must find a way to handle the trophies in a unique manner. One approach could be creating a set trophy list from the game's launch, which includes modes and objectives that will remain achievable indefinitely, similar to how Apex Legends handles its trophies.
Alternatively, Naughty Dog could consider implementing evolving trophy lists for their multiplayer games The Last of Us and Horizon, similar to how trophy lists are updated with the release of new DLC. While The Last of Us would offer a more straightforward approach, it may result in trophy hunters completing the game quickly and losing interest. On the other hand, Horizon would provide ongoing content and incentives, but there is a risk of overwhelming trophy hunters with a never-ending grind. Achieving the perfect balance between these two outcomes is a challenging task for both Horizon and The Last of Us.
